Hometeam field hockey: Again, Quabbin is among area’s best

Tuesday

Sep 17, 2013 at 6:00 AM

Craig Holt Field Hockey

Quabbin Regional’s field hockey program is annually one of the area’s best. Nothing has changed this year as the Panthers are impressive at 4-1. The win total includes a 2-1 victory over potent Quaboag Regional.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these girls and am proud to be their coach,” said Shelly Zalneraitis, who has been at Quabbin, her alma mater, for 25 seasons, including the last 20 as varsity coach. “We’re a family, and we’re playing extremely well this year. But we have a lot to learn and still need to develop as a team unit. Each week, we are able to build something new into our game.”

Topper, a captain and defensive stalwart, brings poise to the field, and her maturity and patience help “ground” the team. Legrand plays forward and sports a solid all-around game. Kinnear is currently injured, but is a key player when healthy.

Zalneraitis, a four-year player and captain, plays midfield and is boosted by a good skill set and individual power. She has been around the game and her mother’s teams since shortly after she was born.

“Having my daughter on the team has been an amazing experience,” Shelly Zalneraitis said. “She has a true love and passion for the game. She takes field hockey very seriously and has shown a lot of grit and determination, both on and off the field, and gives us that competitive edge that every team needs. She also motivates the girls.”

Quabbin’s junior class is led by Claire Kondrotas, Lindsay Clark, Cara Michalik, Alison Bieksha, Mackenzie Ryan and Stephanie Coons. Kondrotas plays midfield and back, and has great skills and sense for the game. The versatile Clark is a finesse player with skill and speed, and can play anywhere. Michalik is a defender who is patient and consistent. Bieksha is a third-year goalie and was a co-MVP her sophomore season. Ryan and Coons are first-year varsity players who are improving as role players on defense.

Quabbin’s sophomores include Jillian Schlegel, Jillian Nichols, Kayley Christian, Nikole Lampila, Alexa Giarusso, Hanna Storie and Tiana Morin. Zalneraitis is pleased with the progress of the sophomores, each of whom is skilled, competitive, hard-working and versatile.

Burncoat’s seniors lead

When the young players in Burncoat High’s field hockey program need pointers or a confidence boost from someone other than coach Meg Brunelle, they know they can turn to the team’s seven seniors.

The seniors include Jackie Malm, Rachel Berube, Breanne Gosler, Haley Dame, Bridget McGrail, Emely Betancourt and Jen Michaud, and provide more than leadership. Some score, some defend, some do both. This team-themed effort helped the Patriots open with three straight wins before losing to Notre Dame Academy, 2-1.

“We’re playing well but we want to keep together and get better,” halfback Betancourt said. “A big key is to stay dedicated and get everyone united. Keep the younger kids involved and stay positive.”

“Every year, things change, people change, we lose players, we gain players,” halfback Michaud said. “But the one thing about Burncoat field hockey is no matter what year a player is, girls just step up and give their best. If you’re new, you don’t have to feel left out. Just play to the best of your abilities.”

“As seniors, we always try to make the younger girls feel welcome,” halfback Berube said. “We show them all the skills that we’ve learned through the years. They see what we do out there and they say, ‘Like, wow, we want to be able to do that.’ ”

The Patriots work hard on conditioning and understand the importance of getting the job done on defense. But the offense has been clicking, producing 11 goals in games against St. Peter-Marian and Holy Name.

“This year, I feel like we’re more of an offensive team. We’ve shown that so far,” midfielder Gosler said. “We lost some good scorers to graduation, but other girls have come in and really stepped up.”

Most importantly, defense is still a team strength.

“Our defense is very good. We communicate, and we hustle to the ball,” halfback McGrail said. “It comes down to hard work. We have a lot of good players who know where to be on the field. Also, having a good offense helps the defense.”

Malm, a high-scoring forward, and junior midfielder Lauren Giard hope last year’s good run will spill over into this season.

“Last year, we were 13-3-3 and made it to district semifinals,” Malm said. “This year, our goal is to build off that, something that we try to do every year. The key is to not take anything lightly and play hard each game.”

“We’re looking forward to another good year and a return to districts,” Giard said. “The first few games have gone well, with one tough loss. We’ll use the loss to Notre Dame and try to get better because of it.”

Burncoat is helped by the fact that the players are committed to the sport.

“In the offseason, we always keep up with our practicing, conditioning with clinics and playing in summer league,” halfback Dame said. “Work hard in the offseason and come into the new season in good shape.”